• Loading stock data...
Friday, December 13, 2024

Royals Commit To Building New $2B Ballpark in K.C., But It’s Complicated

  • MLB club looks to stay in Jackson County, but stadium deal remains incomplete.
  • The Kansas City Chiefs’ renovation plans at Arrowhead Stadium are tied to baseball progress.
Artistic rendering of Kansas City Royals' new downtown stadium.
Kansas City Royals

After months of rising uncertainty and local political angst, the Kansas City Royals have opted to build their new stadium in downtown Kansas City—and taxpayers are likely to get a better deal in the process. But there are still plenty of complications surrounding the planned $2 billion project.

The Royals declared their intent to construct a ballpark and mixed-used development in downtown Kansas City and remain in Jackson County, discarding a prior option to shift to a larger parcel in neighboring Clay County. The statement is part of a bid to extend by 40 years a current sales tax appropriation in Jackson County that would be used to help supply about $350 million in public funds toward the project. The Royals are still considering a pair of stadium site options in Jackson County, including a location in south Kansas City at the site of the former Kansas City Star printing press pavilion.

The club made a joint statement with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, who are similarly seeking to extend the tax and renovate Arrowhead Stadium. The teams face a Jan. 23 deadline to get on an April public ballot, and the tax issue is also set to be considered Monday by the Jackson County legislature.

“The partnership between Jackson County, the Chiefs, and the Royals has been a tremendous success over the past 50 years and directly responsible for much of the great momentum our hometown has built,” the teams said.

The statement follows recent negotiations in which the Royals and Chiefs agreed to pay stadium insurance previously handled by Jackson County, which is projected to yield $80 million to $100 million in savings to taxpayers. A further concession by the teams will allow the county to utilize about $140 million in an existing park property tax for non-sports purposes. County officials have been pushing for improved terms in the talks, in keeping with a growing national trend surrounding public funding for pro stadiums.

Still Plenty of Hurdles

Despite the improved clarity around the Royals’ stadium search, potential problems remain. Most of all, the team is reportedly still far apart in the lease and development negotiations with Frank White, Jackson County executive.

“No agreement has been finalized with either team,” White said. “As we navigate these crucial negotiations involving potential commitments of billions of taxpayer dollars, I want to make it abundantly clear: I have not, and will not, rush into any agreement.”

The Royals and Chiefs could circumvent White and get on the ballot without his approval, but that would require enough time and legislative support to overcome a veto. Currently one of MLB’s worst-attended, lowest-spending, and poorest-performing clubs, the Royals are eyeing the new stadium development as a key mechanism to improve their fortunes on and off the field. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Manchester City Is a Mess. It’s Still Breaking Revenue Records

As on-field losses mount, the Premier League giant reports record revenue.
Cody Bellinger

The Astros Cheating Scandal Still Looms Large Five Years Later

It may end up a major factor in the Cubs’ and Yankees’ offseasons. 
opinion

Why Bill Belichick’s Media Stint Could Help Him at UNC

Belichick became a media fixture during his year away from coaching.
Dec 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels chancellor Lee Roberts reads a transcript about new head coach Bill Belichicks’ father who served as an assistant coach at New North Carolina Tar Heels new in 1954 at Loudermilk Center for Excellence.

Belichick’s UNC Deal Contains Clause That Keeps NFL Speculation Alive

The six-time Super Bowl-winning coach will have a $10 million annual salary.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.

New Sixers Arena Clears Key Philadelphia City Council Vote

The team still needs one more vote to move ahead.
Nov 3, 2024; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Lewis Morgan (9) heads a ball during the first half against the Columbus Crew in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match at Red Bull Arena.
December 11, 2024

MLS Team to Play in ‘Sports Illustrated Stadium’ in $100M Naming Deal

It’s a partnership with a sister ticketing platform company, not the magazine.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson responds to reporters questions while departing a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024.
December 12, 2024

RFK Stadium Bill Making Quiet Progress in Congress

It gives D.C. control of the 174 acres underneath the old stadium.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
December 10, 2024

Manfred Reinforces MLB Interest in Tampa Remaining Rays Home

The commissioner meets with state and county officials to support the Rays.
Dec 7, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) reacts after the final horn against the Denver Nuggets at Capital One Arena.
December 10, 2024

Capitals, Wizards Owner Monumental Aims to Drive ‘Downtown D.C.’s Comeback’

Monumental Sports, which owns the Wizards, is ready to anchor a D.C. comeback.
December 6, 2024

Las Vegas Doubles Down on Sports With $1.75B Ballpark and NBA Arena

Ballpark and arena projects in the booming sports market receive key approvals.
December 5, 2024

Rays Reversal: St. Pete Approves $287M Stadium Bond Package

The approval gives the embattled project a big dose of resurgent energy.